A record £140m Government investment in cycling has been announced by Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Transport, to help half a million children cycle safely and a generation of adults rediscover their bikes.

This ambitious new drive to boost cycling will help to tackle road congestion and improve air quality as well as create more opportunities for exercise. It fulfils a commitment to increase investment in sustainable transport initiatives, outlined in the recent strategy document, 'Towards a Sustainable Transport System'.

The money will be invested over the next three years and forms part of the Government's forthcoming strategy to tackle obesity.

The six-fold increase in funding will allow the construction of another 250 Safe Links to Schools, connecting around 500 more schools to the National Cycle Network. Many schools with links have already doubled the number of pupils cycling to school.

An extra 500,000 10-year-olds across England will be able to take part in Bikeability cycle training by 2012, equipping them to cycle safely and responsibly.

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A further 10 Cycling Demonstration Towns in England will be created. This will mean nearly three million people will have the chance to benefit from best practice and promotion of cycling.

Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Transport said: "Cycling brings many benefits, both for the individual in terms of health and fitness and for the local community as it helps tackle congestion and improve local air quality.

"Being able to cycle safely is an important life skill and I want to give more children the opportunity to do it and encourage more adults to reach for their bikes. By 2012, I expect 500,000 more children to have been able to learn the necessary skills so that they cycle safely and responsibly. This will give parents reassurance that their children are suitably equipped to use the roads and enjoy their bikes.

"The results of both Bikeability and Cycle Demonstration Towns are hugely impressive and prove that by providing the right facilities and support more people are willing to get on their bikes. For example, Darlington has quadrupled the proportion of children cycling to school. Aylesbury has also seen a five-fold increase in residents using a bike as one of their two main means of transport in the last two years.

"That is why think it is right to expand this project so we encourage healthier lifestyles and more sustainable communities."

Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health belives the funding will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of children and young

people across the country.

The funding package will go to Cycling England, the body set up by Government to promote cycling, to continue their successful work.

(GK/JM)